Multi-tiered voice feedback in an electronic device

Info

Patent number: 8768702
Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 5, 2008
Date of Patent: Jul 1, 2014
Patent Publication Number: 20100063818
Assignee: Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Inventors: James Eric Mason (Campbell, CA), Jesse Boettcher (San Jose, CA)
Primary Examiner: Daniel D Abebe
Application Number: 12/205,780

Abstract

This invention is directed to providing voice feedback to a user of an electronic device. Because each electronic device display may include several speakable elements (i.e., elements for which voice feedback is provided), the elements may be ordered. To do so, the electronic device may associate a tier with the display of each speakable element. The electronic device may then provide voice feedback for displayed speakable elements based on the associated tier. To reduce the complexity in designing the voice feedback system, the voice feedback features may be integrated in a Model View Controller (MVC) design used for displaying content to a user. For example, the model and view of the MVC design may include additional variables associated with speakable properties. The electronic device may receive audio files for each speakable element using any suitable approach, including for example by providing a host device with a list of speakable elements and directing a text to speech engine of the host device to generate and provide the audio files.

Description

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to providing multi-tiered voice feedback in an electronic device.

Many electronic devices provide a significant number of features or operations accessible to a user. The number of available features or operations may often exceed the number of inputs available using an input mechanism of the electronic device. To allow users to access electronic device operations that are not specifically tied to particular inputs (e.g., inputs not associated with a key sequence or button press, such as a MENU button on an iPod, available from Apple Inc.), the electronic device may provide menus with selectable options, where the options are associated with electronic device operations. For example, an electronic device may display a menu with selectable options on a display, for example in response to receiving an input associated with the menu from an input mechanism (e.g., a MENU button).

Because the menu is typically displayed on an electronic device display, a user may be required to look at the display to select a particular option. This may sometimes not be desirable. For example, if a user desires to conserve power (e.g., in a portable electronic device), requiring the electronic device to display a menu and move a highlight region navigated by the user to provide a selection may use up power. As another example, if a user is in a dark environment and the display does not include back lighting, the user may not be able to distinguish displayed options of the menu. As still another example, if a user is blind or visually impaired, the user may not be able to view a displayed menu.

To overcome this issue, some systems may provide audio feedback in response to detecting an input from a user or a change in battery status, as described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0129520, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH ENHANCED AUDIO FEEDBACK”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some cases, the electronic device may provide voice feedback describing options that a user may select or operations that the user may direct the electronic device to perform. If several menus are simultaneously displayed, or if a display includes different modules or display areas (e.g., several views), the electronic device may have difficulty determining the objects or menu options, or the order of objects or menu options, for which to provide a voice feedback.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to systems and methods for providing multi-tiered voice feedback to a user. In particular, this invention is directed to providing voice feedback for several displayed objects (e.g., menu items) in a predetermined order (e.g., based on tiers associated with each displayed object).

In some embodiments, a method, electronic device, and computer readable media for providing voice feedback to a user of an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may display several elements and identify at least two of the elements for which to provide voice feedback. The electronic device may determine a tier associated with the display of each of the identified elements, where the tier defines the relative importance of each displayed element. The electronic device may then provide voice feedback for the identified elements in an order of the determined tiers, for example such that voice feedback is first provided for the most important element, and subsequently provided for the next most important element until voice feedback has been provided for each element.

In some embodiments, a method, electronic device, and computer readable media for providing audio feedback for displayed content may be provided. The electronic device may direct a display to display several elements, where speakable properties are associated with at least two of the elements. The electronic device may determine a tier associated with each of the at least two elements and generate a queue that includes the at least two elements. The determined tiers may set the order of the elements in the generated queue. The electronic device may direct an audio output to sequentially speak each queue element in the order of the queue, where the audio output includes voice feedback associated with each of the at least two elements.

In some embodiments, a method, electronic device and computer readable media for speaking the text of elements displayed by an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may display several elements with which speakable properties are associated. The speakable properties may identify, for each element, text to speak. The electronic device may display the several elements in several views, where each view is associated with speakable order. The electronic device may generate a queue that includes the several elements, where the order of the elements in the queue is set from the speakable order of each view (e.g., such that elements with a higher speakable order are at the beginning of the queue). The electronic device may wait for a first timeout to lapse and identify audio files associated with each of the elements of the queue. During the first timeout, the electronic device may modify audio playback to make speech easier to hear and to prevent the electronic device from speaking while a transaction is detected. The audio files may include the spoken speakable property text to speak for each element. The electronic device may sequentially play back the identified audio files in the order of the queue and pause for a second timeout. The second timeout may allow the electronic device to return audio playback to the pre-speaking configuration (e.g., music playback). In some embodiments, the electronic device may receive the audio files from a host device that generates the audio files using a text to speech engine from the speakable property text to speak for each element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen having content for which voice feedback may be available in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electronic device display after receiving a user selection of an option of the display of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electronic device display of FIG. 4 having a different marked option in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electronic device display provided in response to a user selecting the highlighted menu option of FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an illustrative “Now Playing” display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for a Now Playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative state diagram for speaking speakable strings in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative communications system including an electronic device and a host device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing static strings to an electronic device; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing dynamic strings to an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic device operative to provide selective voice feedback based on tiers associated with displayed options is provided.

The electronic device may include a processor and a display. The electronic device may display any suitable information to the user. For example, a display may include a title bar, a menu with selectable options, an information region for displaying information related to one or more options, information identifying media or files available for selection, or any other suitable information. As the user accesses the display, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for the different displayed elements.

Each displayed element may be associated with different properties. In some embodiments, displayed elements for which voice feedback is to be provided may be associated with a speakable property. The speakable property may include the text to be spoken for the associated element. In addition, each element, as part of a view implemented for displaying the element, may be associated with a speakable order or tier. As an electronic device displays elements (e.g., as part of the view), the electronic device may determine, from the speakable properties and the speakable orders, the text for which to provide voice feedback (e.g., the text to speak) and the order or tiers associated with each element. The electronic device may select the element having the highest tier and provide voice feedback (e.g., speak) for the selected element. The electronic device may then successively select each element having the next highest tier and provide voice feedback for the subsequent elements in tier order (e.g., using a queue in which the order of elements is set by the tiers associated with each element). Elements that do not include a speakable property or speakable order (e.g., elements for which no voice feedback is provided) may be ignored or skipped by the electronic device as it provides voice feedback.

The electronic device may determine which element to speak at a particular time using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide voice feedback in response to detecting a transaction (e.g., a decision regarding what elements can be spoken). For example, the electronic device may detect a transaction in response to determining that the display has transitioned, or in response to receiving a user action causing the display to change (e.g., the user selected an option or moved a highlight region). In response to detecting a transaction, the electronic device may identify the speakable elements of the updated display, and the tiers associated with the speakable elements (e.g., elements within the transaction to speak in order). The electronic device may then create a new queue of elements for which voice feedback is to be provided based on the identified elements of the updated display, and provide voice feedback based on the newly created queue. In some embodiments, the new queue may be constructed by replacing unspoken equal or lower tier items of an existing queue. The particular elements spoken, and the order in which the elements are spoken may change with each transaction.

The audio files that are played back in response to receiving an instruction to provide voice feedback for a particular displayed element may be generated using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, to provide high quality audio using a text to speech (TTS) engine, the audio files may be received from a host device connected to the electronic device. This approach may be particularly desirable if the electronic device has limited resources (e.g., inherent memory, processing and power limitations due to the portability of the electronic device). The electronic device may provide a host device with a file listing strings associated with each element to be spoken by the device. The host device may then convert the strings to speech using a text-to-speech engine and provide the audio files of the speech to the electronic device. The electronic device may then consult a mapping of strings to audio files to provide the proper audio file for playback in response to determining that voice feedback for a displayed element is to be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device 100 may include processor 102, storage 104, memory 106, input mechanism 108, audio output 110, display 112, and communications circuitry 114. In some embodiments, one or more of electronic device components 100 may be combined or omitted (e.g., combine storage 104 and memory 106). In some embodiments, electronic device 100 may include other components not combined or included in those shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., a power supply or a bus), or several instances of the components shown in FIG. 1. For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in FIG. 1.

Processor 102 may include any processing circuitry operative to control the operations and performance of electronic device 100. For example, processor 100 may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications, media playback applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In some embodiments, a processor may drive a display and process inputs received from a user interface.

Storage 104 may include, for example, one or more storage mediums including a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Storage 104 may store, for example, media data (e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementing functions on device 100), firmware, user preference information data (e.g., media playback preferences), authentication information (e.g. libraries of data associated with authorized users), lifestyle information data (e.g., food preferences), exercise information data (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information data (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information data (e.g., information that may enable electronic device 100 to establish a wireless connection), subscription information data (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information data (e.g., telephone numbers and email addresses), calendar information data, and any other suitable data or any combination thereof.

Memory 106 can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as RAM, and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data. In some embodiments, memory 106 can also be used for storing data used to operate electronic device applications or any other type of data that may be stored in storage 104. In some embodiments, memory 106 and storage 104 may be combined as a single storage medium.

Input mechanism 108 may provide inputs to input/output circuitry of the electronic device. Input mechanism 108 may include any suitable input mechanism, such as for example, a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen. In some embodiments, electronic device 100 may include a capacitive sensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing mechanism. Some sensing mechanisms are described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/902,964, filed Jul. 10, 2004, entitled “Gestures for Touch Sensitive Input Device,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/028,590, filed Jan. 18, 2005, entitled “Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Device,” both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Audio output 110 may include one or more speakers (e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into electronic device 100, or an audio connector (e.g., an audio jack or an appropriate Bluetooth connection) operative to be coupled to an audio output mechanism. For example, audio output 110 may be operative to provide audio data using a wired or wireless connection to a headset, headphones or earbuds.

Display 112 may include display circuitry (e.g., a screen or projection system) for providing a display visible to the user. For example, display 112 may include a screen (e.g., an LCD screen) that is incorporated in electronic device 100. As another example, display 112 may include a movable display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from electronic device 100 (e.g., a video projector). In some embodiments, display 112 can include a coder/decoder (Codec) to convert digital media data into analog signals. For example, display 112 (or other appropriate circuitry within electronic device 100) may include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any other suitable type of Codec.

Display 112 also can include display driver circuitry, circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. Display 112 may be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information, application screens for applications implemented on the electronic device, information regarding ongoing communications operations, information regarding incoming communications requests, or device operation screens) under the direction of processor 102.

One or more of input mechanism 108, audio output 110 and display 112 may be coupled to input/output circuitry. The input/output circuitry may be operative to convert (and encode/decode, if necessary) analog signals and other signals into digital data. In some embodiments, the input/output circuitry can also convert digital data into any other type of signal, and vice-versa. For example, the input/output circuitry may receive and convert physical contact inputs (e.g., from a multi-touch screen), physical movements (e.g., from a mouse or sensor), analog audio signals (e.g., from a microphone), or any other input. The digital data can be provided to and received from processor 102, storage 104, memory 106, or any other component of electronic device 100. In some embodiments, several instances of the input/output circuitry can be included in electronic device 100.

Communications circuitry 114 may be operative to communicate with other devices or with one or more servers using any suitable communications protocol. Electronic device 100 may include one more instances of communications circuitry for simultaneously performing several communications operations using different communications networks. For example, communications circuitry may support Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™ (which is a trademark owned by Bluetooth Sig, Inc.), radio frequency systems, cellular networks (e.g., GSM, AMPS, GPRS, CDMA, EV-DO, EDGE, 3GSM, DECT, IS-136/TDMA, iDen, LTE or any other suitable cellular network or protocol), infrared, TCP/IP (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), HTTP, BitTorrent, FTP, RTP, RTSP, SSH, Voice over IP (VOIP), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, communications circuitry 114 may include one or more communications ports operative to provide a wired communications link between electronic device 100 and a host device. For example, a portable electronic device may include one or more connectors (e.g., 30 pin connectors or USB connectors) operative to receive a cable coupling the portable electronic device to a host computer. Using software on the host computer (e.g. iTunes available from Apple Inc.), the portable electronic device may communicate with the host computer.

In some embodiments, electronic device 100 may include a bus operative to provide a data transfer path for transferring data to, from, or between control processor 102, storage 104, memory 106, input/output circuitry 108, sensor 110, and any other component included in the electronic device.

The electronic device may provide voice feedback for any suitable displayed content, including for example menu options or content available for playback to a user (e.g., voice feedback for metadata associated with media, such as an artist name, media title, or album). FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative display screen having content for which voice feedback may be available in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display 200 may include several areas on which content is displayed. For example, display 200 may include title bar 210, menu 220 and additional information 250. Title bar 210 may include title 212 indicating the mode or application in use by the electronic device. For example, title 212 may include iPod (e.g., the top most title when no application has been selected), Music, Videos, Photos, Podcasts, Extras, and Settings. Other titles may be available, for example when an accessory device is coupled to the electronic device (e.g., a radio accessory or workout accessory). Title bar 210 may also include any other suitable information, including for example battery indicator 214.

Menu 220 may include several selectable options 222, including for example options for selecting a mode or application, or options associated with a particular selected mode or application. A user may select an option from menu 220 by navigating highlight region 224 over an option. The user may provide a selection instruction (e.g., by pressing a button or providing any other suitable input) while the highlight region is over a particular option to select the particular option. Additional information 250 may include any suitable information, including for example information associated with the mode or application identified by title 212, one or more displayed options 222, the particular option identified by highlight region 224, or any other suitable information.

The electronic device may generate display 200, or any other display using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture or design may be used. The model may include any suitable information coupled to a view for display by a controller (e.g., the controller may query the model to construct views, or modify a view's connection to a model at runtime). For example, a model may include one or more strings or images. Each view may be configured to display (e.g., support) one or more types of element. The view may pass the supported types to a get_Property call, in response to which the model may provide data associated with the supported type to the view for display by the device. Several views may be combined to form each display. For example, display 200 may include at least one view for each area of the display.

To facilitate providing voice feedback for displayed content, the electronic device may incorporate voice feedback variables and settings in the MVC architecture associated with the actual display of content. In some embodiments, the model may include an additional speakable property field. The speakable property field may include any suitable information necessary or useful for providing voice feedback. In some embodiments, the speakable property field may include an indication that voice feedback is to be provided (e.g., a toggled setting). The electronic device may determine the text to speak using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the view or scheduling system may query the property ID of the type associated with the view. In some embodiments, a fixed size ID generated from a property ID (e.g., using a hash table) may instead or in addition be provided to identify the text for which to provide voice feedback. In some embodiments, the speakable property may instead or in addition include a string of text to be spoken by the electronic device, or a pointer to the field having the text to be displayed in the model.

The electronic device may incorporate the tier or importance in any suitable component of the MVC architecture, including for example as a speakable order variable associated with each view. The speakable order may provide an indication of the importance of the speakable element displayed in the corresponding view, for example relative other text in other views that may be displayed. The indication may include, for example, a tier of speech. The electronic device may define any suitable speakable order or tier, including for example, context (e.g., associated with menu titles), focus (e.g., list control, such as highlight region position), choice (e.g., an option associated with an item on a list), property (e.g., a detailed description or lyrics for media), detail, and idle. Each view may be associated with one or more tiers or speakable orders, for example based on the model or elements displayed in the view. For example, a view may be associated with several tiers if a menu option and associated setting (e.g., Backlight option 224 and setting 226) are simultaneously displayed within a view. Alternatively, the menu option and setting may be provided in different views.

If a view or several views are displayed as part of a display, the electronic device may retrieve from the model the elements to display, and the manner in which to display the elements. In addition, the electronic device may retrieve the speakable properties from each model and the speakable order from each displayed view. The electronic device may provide voice feedback for any suitable speakable element of a display. For example, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for one or more views. As another example, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for one or more elements in a particular view. In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide voice feedback, in a particular view, for only one element at each tier (e.g., provide voice feedback for only one element in menu 220, where each option is associated with a particular tier).

To provide voice feedback for displayed speakable elements in the proper order, a speech scheduler of the electronic device may define a queue of items for which to provide voice feedback (e.g., speakable items) in which the speakable order or tier sets the order of the elements in the queue. The electronic device may speak any suitable combination of displayed elements. For example, the electronic device may speak only one menu item (e.g., the menu item identified by a highlight region). As another example, the electronic device may speak several menu items (e.g., all menu items that come after the highlighted menu item). As still another example, the electronic device may speak all menu items. To ensure that the electronic device first speaks the menu item identified by the highlight region, the electronic device may associate a higher tier or order to the corresponding menu item. This discussion will interchangeably use the terms “speaking” a speakable element or string and “playing an audio file” associated with a speakable element or string to describe providing voice feedback for a speakable element.

In some embodiments, the speech scheduler may only include one speakable element for each tier of each view in the queue. This may provide an easy mechanism, for example, for the electronic device to speak only a menu item that is highlighted (e.g., only speak “Music” and not the other items in menu 220 by assigning the Focus tier only to the “Music” menu option). If, within a transaction, several displayed items change within a view at a given tier, the speech scheduler may only place the most recent changed item in the queue. To provide voice feedback for several items associated with a same speakable order in a single transaction, the electronic device may display the several items in distinct views associated with the same speakable order. The speech scheduler may use any suitable approach for providing voice feedback for different elements of views having the same tier (e.g., Idle tier in a Now Playing display, described below in more detail). For example, the speech scheduler may follow the order of the elements in one or more resource files, an order based on the graphical position of the views, alphabetically, or using any suitable order.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Queue 300 may be depicted using any suitable approach. In the example of FIG. 3, queue 300 may include list 310 of speakable strings to speak successively. Each speakable string, as part of a view, may be associated with a speakable tier, identified in corresponding column 340. Using the elements from display 200 (FIG. 2), the speakable strings may include iPod string 312 having Context tier 342 and Music string 313 having Focus tier 343 (e.g., the menu item identified by the highlight region is the only one spoken). In implementations in which all menu items are spoken (e.g., and not only the menu items identified by a highlight region), the speakable strings may include a Videos string, a Photos string, a Podcasts string, an Extras string, a Settings string, a Shuffle Songs string, and a Backlight string, for example all having Choice tiers (e.g., a tier below the Focus tier of Music string 313). In addition, because the Backlight option may be displayed with an associated setting, queue 300 may also include an On string associated with a Properties tier, which may be spoken after the Backlight string is spoken. In implementations in which only the highlighted option is spoken, the electronic device may assign a Focus tier to the Backlight string and a Choice tier to the On string in response to detecting that the highlight region has been placed over the Backlight option in the menu. The electronic device may identify audio files associated with each of the speakable strings (e.g., using a hash or database) and successively play back each of the identified audio files in the order set by queue 300.

When the content on the electronic device display changes, the electronic device may modify the voice feedback provided to reflect the changed display. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electronic device display after receiving a user selection of an option of the display of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Similar to display 200 (FIG. 2), display 400 may include several areas on which content is displayed. For example, display 400 may include title bar 410, menu 420 and additional information 450. Title bar 410 may include title 412 indicating the mode or application in use by the electronic device. In the example of FIG. 4, title 412 may include Music, indicating the option from menu 220 (FIG. 2) that was selected.

Menu 420 may include several selectable options 422, including for example options associated with a particular selected mode or application. A user may select an option from menu 420 by navigating highlight region 424 over the option. The user may provide a selection instruction (e.g., by pressing a button or providing any other suitable input) while the highlight region is over a particular option to select the particular option. In the example of FIG. 4, options 422 may include Cover Flow, Playlists, Artists, Albums, Songs, Genres, Composers, Audiobooks, and Search. Additional information 450 may include any suitable information, including for example information associated with the mode or application identified by title 412, one or more displayed options 422, the particular option identified by highlight region 424, or any other suitable information.

In response to determining that the displayed content has changed (e.g., in response to detecting a transaction), the speech scheduler may update or revise the queue of speakable items providing voice feedback for the display. For example, the speech scheduler may determine the speakable properties associated with each view of the changed display to generate the queue. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Queue 500 may be depicted using any suitable approach. In the example of FIG. 5, queue 500 may include list 510 of speakable strings to speak successively. Each speakable string, as part of a view, may be associated with a speakable tier, identified in corresponding column 540. Using the elements from display 400 (FIG. 4), the speakable strings may include Music string 512 having Context tier 542 and Cover Flow string 513 having Focus tier 543 (e.g., the menu option identified by the highlight region). In implementations where all menu items are spoken, queue 500 may include a Playlists string, an Artists string, an Albums string, a Songs string, a Genres string, a Composers, an Audiobooks string, and a Search string, for example all having a Choice tier (e.g., a tier below Focus tier 543 of Cover Flow string 513). The electronic device may identify audio files associated with each of the speakable strings (e.g., using a hash or database) and successively play back each of the identified audio files in the order set by queue 500.

In some embodiments, the voice feedback provided by the electronic device may change when the displayed content remains the same, but when a marker controlled by the user (e.g., a highlight region) changes. This may allow a user to identify the action that will be performed in response to a user selection of the option identified by the marker as the user moves the marker. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electronic device display of FIG. 4 having a different marked option in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Similar to display 400 (FIG. 4), display 600 may include several areas on which content is displayed. For example, display 600 may include title bar 610, menu 620 and additional information 650. Title bar 610 may include title 612 indicating the mode or application in use by the electronic device, which may be the same mode (e.g., Music) as display 400.

Menu 620 may include the same selectable options 622 as display 400. As shown in FIG. 6, a user may have navigated highlight region 624 over an Artist option (e.g., instead of a Cover Flow option as in display 400). The displayed additional information 650 may include any suitable information, including for example information associated with the mode or application identified by title 612, one or more displayed options 622, the particular option identified by highlight region 624, or any other suitable information. In the example of FIGS. 4 and 6, the additional information displayed may be different, reflecting the position of highlight region 624.

In response to determining that the position of the highlight region has changed (e.g., in response to detecting a transaction), the speech scheduler may update the queue of speakable items providing voice feedback for the display. For example, the speech scheduler may determine the revised, modified or updated speakable properties associated with each view of the changed display to generate the queue. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Queue 700 may be depicted using any suitable approach. In the example of FIG. 7, queue 700 may include list 710 of speakable strings to speak successively. Each speakable string, as part of a view, may be associated with a speakable tier, identified in corresponding column 740. Using the elements from display 600 (FIG. 6), the speakable strings may include Music string 712 having Context tier 742 and Artists string 713 having Focus tier 743 (e.g., the menu option identified by the highlight region). In particular, the listing of speakable strings in queue 700 may be different than that of queue 500 (FIG. 5) to reflect that the highlight region moved down to the Artists option. For example, the speakable strings that would be spoken in queue 500 before queue 700 may be removed from queue 700. The electronic device may identify audio files associated with each of the speakable strings (e.g., using a hash or database) and successively play back each of the identified audio files in the order set by queue 700. In implementations where voice feedback for non-highlighted menu options is provided, queue 700 may include an Albums string, a Songs string, a Genres string, a Composers, an Audiobooks string, a Search string, a Cover Flow string, and a Playlists string, for example all having a Choice tier (e.g., a tier below Focus tier 743 of Artist string 713). The other menu options may be ordered in any suitable manner, including for example as a repeating list that begins with the menu item identified by the highlight region.

The electronic device may play back any portion of a speakable option audio file in response to detecting a transaction. In some embodiments, if the electronic device begins playing back the audio files associated with display 200 when the user provides an instruction to access display 400, or the audio files associated with the speakable strings of display 400 as the user moves the highlight region to the position reflected in display 600, the electronic device may selectively stop playing back the audio file or continue playing back the audio file based on at least one of the tier associated with the audio file and the modification of the speech scheduler queue of speakable items. In some embodiments, the speech scheduler may first determine the updated queue, and compare the initial queue to the updated queue. In particular, the speech scheduler may determine, from the beginning of the queues, the portions of the initial queue and updated queue that remain the same, and the position of the updated queue from which the order of speakable elements changes. For example, as the speech scheduler moves from queue 300 to queue 500, the speech scheduler may determine that the queues do not share any common speakable strings and therefore are different from the first position. As another example, as the speech scheduler moves from queue 500 to queue 700, the speech scheduler may determine that the queues share the speakable string associated with the Context tier, but differ starting with the speakable string associated with the Focus tier.

The speech scheduler may further determine the position on each of the initial queue and the updated queue (if present) of the speakable string for which audio is currently being provided. For example, as the speech scheduler moves from queue 500 to queue 700, the speech scheduler may determine whether the speakable string for which an audio file is played back is the speakable string “Music” (e.g., the speakable string shared by queues 500 and 700) or a different speakable string (e.g., not shared by queues 500 and 700). If the speech scheduler determines that the currently spoken speakable string falls within the speakable strings shared by the initial and updated queues, the speech scheduler may continue to speak or play back the audio associated with the speakable string, and subsequently continue to play back audio associated with the speakable strings of the updated queue in the order set by the updated queue. For example, if the electronic device is playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Music” (which has a Context tier) as the user causes the display to change from display 400 to display 600, the electronic device may provide the audio associated with the speakable string “Artists” (the next item in the queue associated with display 600) when the electronic device finishes playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Music” (e.g., instead of the audio associated with the speakable string “Cover Flow,” which was the next speakable string in the queue associated with display 400).

If the speech scheduler instead determines that the currently spoken speakable string does not fall within the range of speakable strings shared by the initial and updated queues, the electronic device may cease playing back the audio associated with the currently spoken speakable string. For example, the electronic device may cease playing back the audio as soon as the speech scheduler determines that the currently spoken speech is not within the range of shared speakable strings. The electronic device may then resume playing back audio associated with any suitable speakable string of the updated queue, including for example speakable strings of the updated queue starting with the speakable string of the updated queue from which the order of speakable elements changed. For example, if the electronic device is currently speaking the speakable string “Cover Flow” as the user causes the electronic device to move from display 400 to display 600, the electronic device may stop playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Cover Flow” (e.g., and only play back the audio for “Cover”) and begin playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Artists” (e.g., the first speakable string of queue 700 that is different from queue 500). In implementations in which all menu items are spoken, if the electronic device is currently speaking the speakable string “Genres” as the user causes the electronic device to move from display 400 to display 600, the electronic device may stop playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Genre” and begin playing back the audio associated with the speakable string “Artists.” The speakable string “Genre” may then be spoken again when it is reached in the queue associated with display 600 (e.g., queue 700). Accordingly, if a user moves a highlight region along the options displayed in display 400 at an appropriate speed, the electronic device may only play back portions (e.g., the first syllables) of each of the options of display 400.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for menu items that are not statically provided by the electronic device firmware or operating system. For example, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for dynamic strings generated based on content provided by the user to the electronic device (e.g., from a host device). In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for media transferred to the electronic device by a user (e.g., based on metadata associated with the transferred media). FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electronic device display provided in response to a user selecting the highlighted menu option of FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Similar to display 600 (FIG. 6), display 800 may include several areas on which content is displayed. For example, display 800 may include title bar 810, menu 820 and additional information 850. Title bar 810 may include title 812 indicating the mode or application in use by the electronic device (e.g., “Artists”).

Menu 820 may include any suitable listing associated with “Artists” mode, including for example listing 822 of the artist names for media available to the electronic device (e.g., media stored by the electronic device). The electronic device may gather the artist names using any suitable approach, including for example from metadata associated with the media. The displayed additional information 850 may include any suitable information, including for example information associated with one or more artists identified in menu 820 (e.g., information related to the media available from the artist identified by highlight region 824), or the mode or application identified by title 612.

In response to detecting a transaction (e.g., a user selection of the Artists option in display 600, FIG. 6), the speech scheduler may update the queue of speakable items to reflect the displayed dynamic artist names. For example, the speech scheduler may determine the revised, modified or updated speakable properties associated with each view of the changed display to generate the queue. FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for playback associated with the display of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Queue 900 may be depicted using any suitable approach. In the example of FIG. 9, queue 900 may include list 910 of speakable strings to speak successively. Each speakable string, as part of a view, may be associated with a speakable tier, identified in corresponding column 940. Using the elements from display 800 (FIG. 8), the speakable strings may include Artists string 912 having Context tier 942 and Common string 913 having Focus tier 943 (e.g., the artist identified by the highlight region). In implementations where voice feedback for non-highlighted menu options is provided, queue 900 may include a The Corrs string, a Craig David string, a Creed string, a D12 string, a Da Brat string, and a Daniel Beddingfield string, for example all having a Choice tier (e.g., a tier below Focus tier 843 of Common string 813). The other artists may be ordered in any suitable manner, including for example as a repeating list that begins with the artist identified by the highlight region.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may selectively provide voice feedback based on the status of media playback. For example, the electronic device may not provide voice feedback for particular elements or in a particular mode when the electronic device is playing back media. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an illustrative “Now Playing” display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display 1000 may include title bar 1010, menu 1020 and additional information 1030. Title bar 1010 may include title 1012 indicating the mode or application in use by the electronic device. For example, title 1012 may include iPod (e.g., the top most title when no application has been selected), Music, Videos, Photos, Podcasts, Extras, Settings, and Now Playing. Title bar 1010 may also include any other suitable information, including for example battery indicator 1014.

Menu 1020 may include several selectable options 1022, including for example options for selecting a mode or application, or options associated with a particular selected mode or application. A user may select an option from menu 1020 by navigating highlight region 1024 over an option. The user may provide a selection instruction (e.g., by pressing a button or providing any other suitable input) while the highlight region is placed over a particular option to select the particular option. For example, to view information related to media that is currently being played back (e.g., currently playing or paused media), the user may select a Now Playing option. In response to receiving a user selection of the Now Playing option, the electronic device may display additional information 1030 related to the now playing media. For example, additional information 1030 may include artist 1032, title 1034, and album 1036 overlaid on album art. In some embodiments, each of artist 1032, title 1034 and album 1036 may be associated with the same or different views (e.g., different views to allow for voice feedback of the additional information using the same tier for all of the additional information elements).

In response to receiving a selection of the Now Playing option of display 1000 (FIG. 10), the speech scheduler may update the queue of speakable items to speak one or more strings related to the now playing media. For example, the speech scheduler may determine the revised, modified or updated speakable properties associated with each view of the changed display to generate the queue. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an illustrative queue of speakable items for a Now Playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Queue 1100 may be depicted using any suitable approach. In the example of FIG. 11, queue 1100 may include list 1110 of speakable strings to speak successively. Each speakable string, as part of a view, may be associated with a speakable tier, identified in corresponding column 1140. Using the elements from display 1000 (FIG. 10), the speakable strings may include iPod string 1112 having Context tier 1142, Now Playing string 1113 having Focus tier 1143 (e.g., the menu option identified by the highlight region), Mika string 1114 having Idle tier 1144, Grace Kelly string 1115 having Idle tier 1145, and Life in Cartoon Motion string 1116 having Idle tier 1146.

To ensure that voice feedback for the artist, title and album are not provided at inopportune times, the electronic device may not provide voice feedback for speakable elements associated with the Idle tier when media is playing back (e.g., not paused). For example, the electronic device may first determine whether media is playing back. In response to determining that no media is playing back, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for all of the elements in queue 1100, including the elements associated with the Idle tier. If the electronic device instead determines that media is currently being played back, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for elements in queue 1100 from views associated with tiers other than the Idle tier. The speech scheduler may, in response to detecting that media is playing back, remove elements associated with the Idle tier from queue 1100, or instead skip elements associated with Idle tier in queue 1100. The electronic device may assign an Idle tier to any suitable displayed information, including for example to information displayed in an additional information window or area (e.g., the number of songs or photos stored on the device).

The electronic device may determine what strings to speak at what time using any suitable approach. FIG. 12 is an illustrative state diagram for speaking speakable strings in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. State diagram 1200 may include several states and several paths for accessing each of the several states. The electronic device may begin in Idle state 1202. For example, the electronic device may remain in the Idle state when no content is displayed. As another example, the electronic device may remain in the Idle state when content is displayed, but the displayed content is not associated with voice feedback (e.g., an album cover art is displayed). As still another example, the electronic device may remain in the Idle state when speakable content is displayed, but the speakable content has all been spoken.

While in Idle state 1202, the electronic device may monitor for transactions of the display. Any decision by the electronic device regarding what elements to speak may result in a transaction. A transaction may be initiated (and detected by the electronic device) using several different approaches. For example, a transaction may be detected in response to receiving a user instruction (e.g., a user selection of a selectable option causing the display to change). As another example, a transaction may be detected in response to a transition of the display (e.g., the display changing, for example due to a timeout or due to a user moving a highlight region). In response to detecting a transaction, the electronic device may move to Update step 1204. At Update step 1204, the electronic device may update the variables or fields associated with providing voice feedback. For example, a speech scheduler may generate a queue of items for the electronic device to speak, for example based on fields available from one or more models used to generate views for the post-transaction display. The electronic device may move to PreSpeakTimeout state 1206 after Update step 1204.

At PreSpeakTimeout state 1206, the electronic device may pause for a first timeout. During the timeout, the electronic device may perform any suitable operation, including for example generate the queues of speakable strings to speak, identify the audio files associated with the speakable strings and perform initial operations for preparing the audio files for playback, duck or fade prior audio outputs (e.g., outputs due to music playback), or perform any other suitable operation. For example, the electronic device may reduce prior audio feedback (e.g., ducking) so that the spoken string may be clearer. As another example, the electronic device may pause the playback of media during the voice feedback (e.g., so that the user does not miss any of the media). As still another example, the electronic device may use PreSpeakTimeout state to ensure that no more recent transactions are detected (e.g., a subsequent movement of a highlight region) to avoid partially speaking text. The electronic device may remain in PreSpeakTimeout state 1206 for any suitable duration, including for example a duration in the range of 0 ms to 500 ms (e.g., 100 ms). Once the first timeout associated with PreSpeakTimeout state 1206 has lapsed, the electronic device move to Resume step 1206 to access Speaking state 1210.

At Speaking state 1210, the electronic device may speak a speakable item placed in the queue generated during Update step 1204. For example, the electronic device may identify the audio file associated with a speakable item in the generated queue and play back the identified audio file. When the electronic device finishes speaking the first item in the voice feedback queue generated by the speech scheduler, the electronic device may determine that proper voice feedback has been provided and move to Complete step 1212. At Complete step 1212, the speech scheduler may remove the spoken speakable element from the queue or move a pointer to the next speakable element in the queue. In some embodiments, the electronic device may instead remove the speakable element from the queue just before speaking the element (e.g., while in Speaking state 1210) so that the first speakable element identified by the electronic device after Complete step 1212, as the electronic device returns to Speaking state 1210, is the next element to speak. The electronic device may successively move between Speaking state 1210 and Complete step 1212 until all of the speakable items in the queue generated during an Update step (e.g., Update step 1204) have been spoken (e.g., the queue is empty or the pointer has reached the end of the queue), or until the display is changed and a new Update step is performed.

In response to detecting a transaction (e.g., described above) while in Speaking state 1210, the electronic device may move to Update step 1214. At Update step 1214, the electronic device may update the variables or fields associated with providing voice feedback to conform to the display resulting from the transaction. For example, the speech scheduler may update the speakable elements, and the order of speakable elements for which to provide voice playback based on the display after the transaction, in an updated voice feedback queue. In some embodiments, the electronic device may in addition determine the portion of the updated queue, starting with the first speakable element of the queue, that matches the initial voice feedback queue (e.g., prior to step 1214), and identify the current speakable element for which voice feedback is being provided. If the electronic device determines that the current speakable element is within the portion of shared speakable elements of the initial and updated queues, the electronic device may return to Speaking state 1210 and continue to speak the next speakable element of the updated queue (e.g., using Complete step 1212 and Speaking state 1210). If the electronic device instead determines that the current speakable element is not within the portion of shared speakable elements of the initial and updated queues, the electronic device may cease speaking the current speakable element (e.g., stop playing back the audio file associated with the current speakable element) and return to Speaking state 1210. Upon returning to Speaking state 1210, the electronic device may provide voice feedback for the speakable elements of the updated queue, for example beginning with the first speakable element of the queue after the determined portion of shared speakable elements.

Once the electronic device has provided voice feedback for every element in the queue generated by the speech scheduler (e.g., once the queue is empty), the electronic device may move to no_ready_queue step 1216. At no_ready_queue step 1216, the electronic device may receive an indication that the queue of speakable items is empty from the speech scheduler (e.g., a no_ready_queue variable). From no_ready_queue step 1216, the electronic device may move to PostSpeakTimeout state 1218. At state 1218, the electronic device may pause for a second timeout. During the timeout, the electronic device may perform any suitable operation, including for example preparing other audio for playback, initializing an operation selected by a user (e.g., in response to detecting a selection instruction for one of the displayed and spoken menu options), or any other suitable operation. The electronic device may instead or in addition return audio output from a ducked or faded mode (e.g., enabled during PreSpeakTimeout state 1206 to a normal mode for playing back audio or other media). Alternatively, the electronic device may resume the playback of paused media. The electronic device may remain in PostSpeakTimeout state 1218 for any suitable duration, including for example a duration in the range of 0 ms to 500 ms (e.g., 100 ms). Once the first timeout associated with PostSpeakTimeout state 1218 has lapsed, the electronic device move to Resume step 1220 to return to Idle state 1202.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may detect a transaction (e.g., described above) while in PostSpeakTimeout state 1218 and move to Update step 1222. Update step 1222 may include some or all of the features of Update step 1214. At Update step 1222, the electronic device may update the variables or fields associated with providing voice feedback to conform to the display resulting from the transaction. For example, the speech scheduler may update the speakable elements, and the order of speakable elements for which to provide voice playback based on the display after the transaction, in an updated voice feedback queue. In some embodiments, the electronic device may in addition determine the portion of the updated queue, starting with the first speakable element of the queue, that matches the initial voice feedback queue (e.g., prior to step 1222), and identify the current speakable element for which voice feedback is being provided (e.g., as described above in connection with Update step 1214). The electronic device may then return to Speaking state 1210 and provide voice feedback for the speakable elements of the updated queue, for example beginning with the first speakable element of the queue after the determined portion of shared speakable elements.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may detect an error in the speaking process. For example, the electronic device may receive, at play_error step 1224, an indication of an error associated with Speaking state 1210. The electronic device may receive any suitable indication of an error at step 1224, including for example a play_error variable. The electronic device may then reach ErrorSpeaking state 1226. The electronic device may perform any suitable operation in ErrorSpeaking state 1226. For example, the electronic device may perform a debugging operation, or other operation for identifying the source of the error. As another example, the electronic device may gather information associated with the error to provide to the developer of the software for debugging or revision. If the electronic device completes the one or more operations associated with ErrorSpeaking state 1226, the electronic device may move to Complete step 1228 and return to Speaking state 1210 to continue to provide voice feedback for the speakable elements in the queue generated by the speech scheduler.

Alternatively, if the electronic device fails to perform all of the operations associated with ErrorSpeaking state 1226, the electronic device may move to Resume step 1230 and return to Speaking state 1210. The electronic device may fail to perform the operations associated with Speaking state 1210 for any suitable reason, including for example a failure to receive a valid “Complete” message, receiving a user instruction to cancel the ErrorSpeaking operations or to return to Speaking state 1210, an error timeout (e.g., 100 ms), or any other suitable reason or based on any other suitable condition.

The electronic device may acquire audio files associated with each of the speakable elements using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the audio files may be locally stored by the electronic device, for example as part of firmware or software of the device. An inherent limitation of this approach, however, is that firmware is generally provided globally to all electronic devices sold or used in different locations where languages and accents may vary. To ensure voice feedback is provided in the proper language or with the proper accent, the firmware used by each device may need to be personalized. This may come at a significant cost, as several versions of firmware may need to be stored and provided, and be significantly more complex, as the firmware or software provider may need to manage the distribution of different firmware or software to different devices. In addition, the size of audio files (e.g., as opposed to text files) may be large and prohibitive to provide as firmware or software updates.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may generate audio files locally using a text to speech (TTS) engine operating on the device. Using such an approach, each electronic device may provide text strings associated with different menu options in the language associated with the device to the TTS engine of the device to generate audio files for voice feedback. This approach may allow for easier firmware or software updates, as changes to displays in which speakable elements are present may be reflected by a change in text strings on which the TTS engine may operate. The TTS engine available from the electronic device, however, may limit this approach. In particular, if the electronic device has limited resources, such as limited memory, processing capabilities, or power supply (e.g., limitations associated with a portable electronic device), the quality of the speech generated by the TTS engine may be reduced. For example, intonations associated with dialects or accents may not be available, or speech associated with particular languages (e.g., languages too different from a default language) may not be supported.

In some embodiments, the electronic device may instead or in addition receive audio files associated with speakable elements from a host device to which the electronic device is connected. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an illustrative communications system including an electronic device and a host device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Communications system 1300 may include electronic device 1302 and communications network 1310, which electronic device 1302 may use to perform wired or wireless communications with other devices within communications network 1310. For example, electronic device 1302 may perform communications operations with host device 1320 over communications network 1310. Although communications system 1300 may include several electronic devices 1302 and host devices 1320, only one of each is shown in FIG. 13 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing.

Any suitable circuitry, device, system or combination of these (e.g., a wireless communications infrastructure including communications towers and telecommunications servers) operative to create a communications network may be used to create communications network 1310. Communications network 1310 may be capable of providing wireless communications using any suitable short-range or long-range communications protocol. In some embodiments, communications network 1310 may support, for example, Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth (registered trademark), radio frequency systems (e.g., 1300 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, protocols used by wireless and cellular phones and personal email devices, or any other protocol supporting wireless communications between electronic device 1302 and host device 1320. Communications network 1310 may instead or in addition be capable of providing wired communications between electronic device 1302 and host device 1320, for example using any suitable port on one or both of the devices (e.g., 30-pin, USB, FireWire, Serial, or Ethernet).

Electronic device 1302 may include any suitable device for receiving media or data. For example, electronic device 1302 may include one or more features of electronic device 100 (FIG. 1). Electronic device 1302 may be coupled with host device 1320 over communications link 1340 using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device 1302 may use any suitable wireless communications protocol to connect to host device 1320 over communications link 1340. As another example, communications link 1340 may be a wired link that is coupled to both electronic device 1302 and media provider 1320 (e.g., an Ethernet cable). As still another example, communications link 1340 may include a combination of wired and wireless links (e.g., an accessory device for wirelessly communicating with host device 1320 may be coupled to electronic device 1302). In some embodiments, any suitable connector, dongle or docking station may be used to couple electronic device 1302 and host device 1320 as part of communications link 1340.

Host device 1320 may include any suitable type of device operative to provide audio files to electronic device 1302. For example, host device 1320 may include a computer (e.g., a desktop or laptop computer), a server (e.g., a server available over the Internet or using a dedicated communications link), a kiosk, or any other suitable device. Host device 1320 may provide audio files for speakable elements of the electronic device using any suitable approach. For example, host device 1320 may include a TTS engine that has access to more resources than one available locally on electronic device 1302. Using a more expansive host device TTS engine, host device 1320 may generate audio files associated with text strings for speakable elements of the electronic device. The host device TTS engine may allow the electronic device to provide voice feedback in different languages or with personalized accents or voice patterns (e.g. using a celebrity voice or an accent from a particular region). The TTS engine may include a general speech dictionary and pronunciation rules for different sounds to generate audio for the provided text and convert the generated audio to a suitable format for playback by the electronic device (e.g., AIFF files). In some embodiments, the TTS engine may include a pre-processor for performing music specific processing (e.g., substituting the string “feat.” or “ft.” with “featuring”). In some embodiments, host device 1320 may limit the amount of media transferred to the electronic device to account for the storage space needed to store the audio files associated with providing voice feedback (e.g., calculate the space expected to be needed for the voice feedback audio files based on the expected number of media files stored on the electronic device).

The host device may identify the text strings for which to provide audio files using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the host device may identify text strings associated with data transferred from the host device to the electronic device, and provide the identified text strings to a TTS engine to generate corresponding audio files. This approach may be used, for example, for text strings associated with metadata for media files (e.g., title, artist, album, genre, or any other metadata) transferred from the host device to the electronic device (e.g., music or video). In some embodiments, the electronic device may identify the particular metadata for which to provide audio feedback to the host device (e.g., the electronic device identifies the title, artist and album metadata). The host device may use any suitable approach for naming and storing audio files in the electronic device. For example, the audio file name and stored location (e.g., directory number) may be the result of applying a hash to the spoken text string.

For speakable elements that are not transferred from the host device to the electronic device (e.g., text of menu options of the electronic device firmware), however, the host device may not be aware of the text strings for which the TTS engine is to provide audio files. In some embodiments, the electronic device may provide a text file (e.g., an XML file) that includes strings associated with each of the static speakable elements for which voice feedback is provided to the host device. The electronic device may generate the text file with the speakable element strings at any suitable time. In some embodiments, the file may be generated each time the electronic device boots based on data extracted from the firmware or software source code during compiling. For example, when the electronic device compiles the source code associated with the models and views for display, the electronic device may identify the elements having a speakable property (e.g., the speakable elements) and extract the text string to speak and the priority associated with the speakable element. In some embodiments, the electronic device may generate the text file in response to detecting a change in the voice feedback language, voice feedback voice, or build change.

The extracted text may be provided to the host device in a data file (e.g., an XML file) generated when the electronic device boots. This approach may allow for easier changing of speakable elements with firmware or software updates, as the compiled firmware or software code may include the extracted speakable element information needed by the host device to generate audio files for voice feedback. In response to receiving the text file, the host device may generate, using the TTS engine, audio files for each of the speakable elements. In some embodiments, the text file may include an indication of a language change to direct the host device to generate new audio files for the changed text or using the changed voice or language. Systems and methods for generating audio files based on a received text file are described in more detail in commonly assigned U.S. Publication No. 2006/0095848, entitled “AUDIO USER INTERFACE FOR COMPUTING DEVICES”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The following flowcharts describe illustrative processes for providing audio files used for voice feedback to an electronic device. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing static strings to an electronic device. Process 1400 may begin at step 1402. At step 1404, the electronic device may generate a data file listing static strings. For example, the electronic device may extract, from firmware, strings of text displayed by the electronic device for which voice feedback may be provided. At step 1406, the electronic device may provide the file to a host device. For example, the electronic device may provide the file to the host device using a wired or wireless communications path.

At step 1408, the host device may convert the static strings of the provided data file to audio files. For example, the host device may use a TTS engine to generate audio for each of the static strings (e.g., generate audio, compress the audio, an convert the audio to a file format that may be played back by the electronic device). At step 1410, the host device may transfer the generated audio to the electronic device. For example, the host device may transfer the generated audio files to the electronic device over a communications path. Process 1400 may then end at step 1412. The host device may store the audio files at any suitable location on the electronic device, including for example at a location or directory number resulting from a hash of the text string to speak.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an illustrative process for providing dynamic strings to an electronic device. Process 1500 may begin at step 1502. At step 1504, the host device may identify media to transfer to the electronic device. For example, the host device may retrieve a list of media to transfer (e.g., media within playlists) to transfer to the electronic device. At step 1506, the host device may identified metadata strings associated with the identified media. For example, the host device may retrieve specific metadata strings identified by a host device (e.g., artist, title and album strings) for each identified media item to be transferred to the electronic device.

At step 1508, the host device may convert the identified metadata strings (e.g., dynamic strings) to audio files. For example, the host device may use a TTS engine to generate audio for each of the dynamic strings (e.g., generate audio, compress the audio, an convert the audio to a file format that may be played back by the electronic device). At step 1510, the host device may transfer the generated audio to the electronic device. For example, the host device may transfer the generated audio files to the electronic device over a communications path. Process 1500 may then end at step 1512. The host device may store the audio files at any suitable location on the electronic device, including for example at a location or directory number resulting from a hash of the text string to speak.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A method for providing voice feedback to a user of an electronic device, comprising:

displaying a plurality of elements;

identifying at least two of the plurality of elements for which to provide voice feedback;

determining tiers associated with the display of each of the identified elements;

generating an initial queue comprising the identified elements in response to identifying and determining;

ordering the identified elements in the initial queue based on the determined tiers; and

providing voice feedback for the identified elements in the order of the elements in the initial queue.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

retrieving audio files associated with each of the identified elements; and

playing back the retrieved audio files.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

changing at least one of the displayed plurality of elements; and

updating at least a portion of the initial queue in response to changing.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

re-identifying at least two of the plurality of elements for which to provide voice feedback in response to changing;

re-determining tiers associated with the display of each of the re-identified elements; and

generating a revised queue comprising the re-identified elements.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, when the changing occurs during the providing of the voice feedback for one of the identified elements:

detecting the element for which voice feedback was provided during changing;

determining that the detected element has the same position and tier in the initial queue and the revised queue; and

providing voice feedback from the revised queue starting with the detected element.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising:

completing the voice feedback for the detected element.

7. The method of claim 4, further comprising, when the changing occurs during the providing of the voice feedback for one of the identified elements:

detecting the element for which voice feedback was provided during changing;

comparing the initial queue and the revised queue to identify common portions of the queues;

determining that the detected element is not in a portion of the revised queue that is in common with the initial queue; and

stopping providing voice feedback for the detected element.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

identifying the first element of the revised queue following the common portions of the queues; and

providing voice feedback from the revised queue starting with the identified first element.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the voice feedback comprises providing the voice feedback for the identified elements sequentially and without human intervention.

10. An electronic device operative to provide audio feedback for displayed content, comprising a processor, a display, and an audio output, the processor operative to:

direct the display to display a plurality of elements in views, wherein speakable properties are associated with at least two of the plurality of elements;

determine tiers associated with the views of each of the at least two elements from the associated speakable properties;

generate a queue comprising the at least two elements, wherein the order of the queue elements is set by the determined tiers; and

direct the audio output to sequentially speak each queue element in the order of the queue.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further operative to:

direct the display to display at least two text strings; and

direct the audio output to provide voice feedback for the at least two text strings.

12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further operative to:

detect a transaction; and

generate a revised queue comprising modified elements with which a speakable property is associated.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operative to:

direct the audio output to provide audio associated with each element of the revised queue in the order of the revised queue.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operative to:

determine that at least one of the displayed elements with which a speakable property is associated has changed; and

detect a transaction.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the processor is further operative to:

detect a user input changing at least one of the displayed elements with which a speakable property is associated; and

detect a transaction.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the input comprises at least one of a user selection of a displayed option and a user instruction to move a highlight region.

17. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the processor operative to direct the audio output is further operative to direct the audio output to speak each queue element sequentially and without human intervention.

18. A method for speaking text of elements displayed by an electronic device, comprising:

defining a plurality of elements with which speakable properties are associated;

displaying the plurality of elements in a plurality of views, wherein each view is associated with a speakable order;

generating a queue comprising the plurality of elements, wherein the order of the plurality of elements in the queue is set from the speakable order;

pausing for a first timeout;

identifying audio files associated with each of the plurality of elements of the queue, wherein the audio files correspond to text to speak for each element;

sequentially playing back the identified audio files in the order of the queue; and

pausing for a second timeout.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein identifying further comprises retrieving audio files associated with each of the plurality of elements from a hash of the text to speak.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the audio files are received from a host device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the host device generates the audio files using a text to speech engine.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

providing the text to speak for each of the plurality of elements to the host device; and

receiving audio files generated using a text to speech engine applied to the provided text to speak for each of the plurality of elements.

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

changing at least one of the displayed plurality of elements; and

generating a revised queue comprising the changed displayed plurality of elements ordered from the speakable orders associated with the displayed views.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the identified audio files are sequentially played back in the order of the queue without human intervention.

25. A non-transitory computer readable storage media for providing voice feedback to a user of an electronic device, the computer readable media comprising computer program logic recorded thereon for:

displaying a plurality of elements;

identifying at least two of the plurality of elements for which to provide voice feedback;

determining tiers associated with the display of each of the identified elements;

generating an initial queue comprising the identified elements in response to identifying and determining;

ordering the identified elements in the initial queue based on the determined tiers; and

providing voice feedback for the identified elements in the order of the determined tiers.

26. The non-transitory computer readable storage media of claim 25, wherein the computer program logic for providing the voice feedback further comprises computer program logic for providing the voice feedback for the identified elements sequentially and without human intervention.